Let’s be honest. Virtual leasing has been around for quite some time now, but it has typically been a luxury primarily reserved for out-of-towners looking to score their next crib. But, given the age of the coronavirus, virtual leasing has now become the norm. Even as the nation begins to reopen with new standards, it will likely take some time before renters begin to feel comfortable reverting back to the former ways of leasing.

So, the question becomes–do you still know how to seal the deal? If you’re still growing in the virtual leasing sphere, here are three tips that can help.

1.  Listen & empathize

Approaching your prospects with empathy will be key to earning their trust and ultimately sealing the deal. Particularly during these times, situations and circumstances can vary greatly among renters. Don’t lead with the sales pitch to start. Instead, get a good idea of what the renter is looking for in their next home as well as their concerns, timelines, etc. Then, be open to reaching into your rolodex to determine how you can best accommodate their needs.

2.  Accommodate when possible

In these unprecedented times, a little accommodations are likely to go a long way. Giving your renters what they need to adjust to a new life amid a seemingly “new normal” will help form a more personal connection and earn their trust. Consider what type of temporary or one-time amenities you can offer to better assist those moving in or to appease those “on the fence.” These types of accommodations could include being lenient on the move-in date, assisting with the logistics for the actual move in by hiring movers or even offering more flexible lease terms. 

3.  Reduce the paperwork

If you ace your virtual apartment tour, the next step will be the paperwork. Make sure, where possible, you are consolidating documents and all of these documents have been transferred to a digital format. With a goal of convenience, you’ll want to ensure the entire leasing process is more accommodating for the renter. Online screening makes the application process easier for both your team and applicants and allows renters the ability to complete paperwork on their time and terms. Once complete, staff can process applications more seamlessly and quickly; thus, allowing more time for other virtual tours. You’ll also want to have secure systems in place to accept confidential information and remind your prospect of the full scope of security parameters that are currently established. This will help build valuable trust throughout the rental process that will likely extend throughout the living period.

Rentbot can help.

Now more than ever, it is important to steer your marketing dollars directly towards digital strategies that yield a greater ROI, like your website. Before you can seal the virtual deal, the first place your prospects land–which is your website–must be inviting and informative and set the tone for the rental experience that is to follow. Additionally, by honing in on your website and its development, you’ll see higher traffic numbers and will be better equipped to land those higher quality leads.

Each Rentbot website has already been designed with you and your renters in mind. And with standard features like online applications and deposits, real time unit availability and a mobile-friendly design, your personalized, turnkey Rentbot site has just what you need to offer a complete virtual leasing experience that your renters will appreciate. It’s time to upgrade your website to accommodate the times. Going virtual doesn’t necessarily mean fewer leads or leases. If you don’t believe us, we’ll let you try a new high-performance Rentbot website for your multifamily property free for 30 days, and we’ll do all the work for you.

About the Author

Jonsette Calloway joined the Rentbot team in 2015. With a background in public relations, advertising and copywriting, she has helped a multitude of clients achieve their marketing and communications goals within various fields, but she particularly enjoys working with the apartment industry.